Boomers Grew Up With These Camping Items That Almost No One Uses Anymore

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Recreational camping has been popular in the United States since at least the 1860s. As the Baby Boomer generation was coming of age nearly a century later, they and their families often did so equipped with what was then the most modern of camping gear. Of course, the evolution of recreational camping gear did not stop, with the introduction of lightweight materials, innovative design, and even tech-savvy camping essentials. As a result, hardly anyone uses much of the gear these kids grew up with in the 1950s and '60s, such as bulky camp boxes, pump-style propane lanterns, and incredibly heavy canvas tents.

Although much of the gear from this era has become obsolete, some items are still in regular use. One example is the venerable Coleman two-burner propane cook stove. With the exception of transitioning from a refillable, hand-pumped tank to a propane canister, these stoves have changed very little since being introduced in 1923.

While use of the propane stove has endured, the massive, take-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink chuck boxes favored in the 60s have not. In fact, today overpacking is seen as one of the biggest camping mistakes to avoid. Not to mention, these boxes, typically made of plywood, were heavy and cumbersome, especially when you had to hike into camp. The chuck box hasn't completely gone away, but modern versions are typically smaller, lighter, and weatherproof. Additionally, many models integrate kitchen elements, including sink, prep area, and stove platform, in one easy-to-pack, highly-portable camp kitchen unit.

Good lighting has long been considered a must-have for camping trips. That has not changed, but it has evolved considerably. Where most boomers grew up with two essential pieces of gear for providing light — a lantern and flashlight — today it is quite common for one item, like the Everbrite 2-in-1 mini lantern and flashlight, to serve both functions. Even when they're distinct tools, flashlights and lanterns bear little resemblance to what campers in the mid-20th century grew up using.

Then, as now, lanterns were the go-to gear for lighting an entire tent or campsite. During the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the Coleman lanterns used by campers were fuel-powered, utilizing Coleman Camp Fuel, both single- and double-mantle models. These devices used refillable tanks, meaning a separate, dedicated fuel canister was vital, and the lantern itself was hand-pumped to pressurize the fuel tank. Furthermore, the mantles were essentially fragile mesh fabric set on fire. If they became damaged (which was annoyingly easy to do) or burnt out, the lantern was rendered useless until the mantles were replaced. Not to mention, you also need a supply of matches with which to light the lantern. Today's battery-operated or rechargeable LED lanterns remove almost all the potential headaches.

When it came to a focused, direct beam of light, boomers typically relied on incredibly heavy, bulky flashlights. Though some plastic models were introduced in the 1960s, most campers at that time carried steel-bodied models such as the Eveready Captain. Known for its durability, the Captain took a pair of C batteries — each of which themselves weighed more than many modern LED flashlights. What's more, despite the heft and size of those older torches, modern versions are capable of producing a far brighter light.

If you're looking for a new tent, odds are you have something lightweight, packable, and easy to set up in mind. Those really weren't options when boomers were growing up – at least not in the way we know them today. During the 1950s, "wall" tents were still made of heavy cotton canvas. The supports were bulky, interior poles of wood or steel. These were still very much in use during the 60s, though lighter-weight synthetic fabrics and external aluminum alloy poles were the high-tech options. These poles, however, were still heavy, multi-piece metal supports and required a separate carrying case.

Not only were these tents heavy and bulky, they took a lot of time — and often multiple people — to erect. By contrast, most modern tents are lightweight, pack into a small drawstring bag, and can be set up by one person in a matter of minutes. In fact, some models, such as the Londtren 4-person easy pop-up tent, weigh only a few ounces and automatically erect themselves when removed from the carrying bag. Additionally, modern tents are typically waterproof upon purchase. Those cotton canvas and early nylon and polyester versions had to be treated with wax or oil to repel water.

What boomers slept on in those bulky tents was also very different. Back then, it was either a flannel sleeping bag (or blankets) directly on the ground, or a military surplus folding cot with a wooden frame and canvas cover. Like the tents, these cots were incredibly bulky, heavy, and difficult to pack. By contrast, a modern sleeping pad weighs mere ounces and fits easily into your backpack. Even cots that work for your camping style have become more compact, lighter (weighing only a couple pounds), and easier to pack.